"You might just be the first king to hide from his own coronation."
The low rumble of King Baustas's voice made Hayden close his eyes with a sigh. He could hear his father's moccasins tap subtly on the granite floor as he moved behind him. When he opened his eyes, he appeared beside Hayden at the edge of the balcony.
"You barely said a word during my announcement. And your countenance as the High Priest read out the Wysterian vows was quite distant. What was going through your mind, my son?"
"Nothing specific, Father," Hayden replied swiftly. "I was only taken aback by your sudden decision to make me king."
"Sudden decision?" King Baustas asked. "Surely you'd always known the throne was yours for the taking. Or did you think I'd change my mind and make Cassian my heir instead?"
"No. That's not the case, Father. I simply question the timing of the decision. That's all."
"I understand your unease, Hayden. The weight of the task you're about to inherit is far from being simple. That is why the crown isn't for just anyone."
"But do you think this is the best time to pass it on?" Hayden inquired, unable to hold himself any longer. "With the recent turn of events? With this mysterious threat looming over our way of life? Wouldn't that be seen as weakness on your part, Father?"
"Weakness?" The King spat out the words like he had bile in his mouth. Being taller than his son, King Baustas towered intimidatingly over most people he stood next to. He'd retained much of his youth over the years, just like his sister. He was a large, muscular man with rich, black hair that was devoid of any kind of gray. His bearded face worked up a slight scowl as his olive-green eyes probed Hayden. "I'm merely fulfilling my duty as leader and protector of this realm by announcing my successor, and you've chosen to see it as weakness?"
"That's not what I meant, Father," Hayden said defensively. His father's glare had instantly stirred up a wave of regret. "You're still strong and very fit to rule. You still go on your hunting expeditions and preside over meetings with utmost authority. The people still see you as the fierce, just leader that you are. Hence, unless you're dying anytime soon, I don't see why I have to—."
Hayden stopped mid-sentence, suddenly wanting to kick himself. Why hadn't he realized this sooner? It was the only way power could be transferred to the next in line; when the present holder was close to the cold grasp of death. Hayden's breaths were quick as his chest heaved with realization. He was unable to look at his father when he uttered, "So, you're dying?"
"What?" King Baustas asked, rather puzzled.
"The surprise coronation ceremony was for a reason," Hayden explained. "It was the only way you could silently break the news of your condition without revealing anything. But it all makes sense now. You're closer to your demise than you want to admit."
King Baustas remained quiet for a moment, like he wanted to confirm his son's suspicions. Then he broke into laughter so suddenly that Hayden turned to his father with a bewildered look.
"Your assumptions are more amusing than my sister's crooked toes," he said, wiping his eyes as he continued to chuckle. "Better knock that silly thought out of your head, boy. I'm not dying anytime soon."
Hayden blinked repeatedly, his confusion etching deeper onto his face. "I don't understand, Father. If you're not suffering from an incurable illness, or under an inescapable prophecy, then why'd you do it? Why would you step down when Wysteria needs you the most?"
"I stepped down because Wysteria needs me the most."
Hayden stayed quiet, patiently waiting for an explanation. His father heaved a sigh before he continued.
"I've ruled over this land for many years, Hayden. Before then, I had served as one of the warriors in the Imperial Guard. But, years even before that, it was my experience as a Hunter that opened my eyes to a world beyond the reality most people are used to."
"As a hunter?" Hayden asked with a frown. "That's not what the history books say. Your journey to the throne started from your humble beginnings as one of the imperial guards. You've told me that story yourself."
King Baustas nodded. "I know I did. But that wasn't the whole truth. You see, before I came to Wysteria, I was a part of an elite group of bounty hunters. The only purpose of our existence was to find and destroy dangerous monsters born of dark, hostile magic. Because there were only a handful of us, we spread out across the continent, each of us burdened with the weight of our quest.
"My path led me to the south, where I stumbled upon the small kingdom of Wysteria. The people here were simple and defenseless, and in desperate need of liberation from the forces of darkness. So I remained here, battling and slaying as many beasts as I could. But it was after I met your mother that I decided to make this land my new home."
Hayden took a step back, suddenly overwhelmed by dizziness. Grabbing the stony frame of the balcony for support, he gave his father a questioning gaze.
"What are you saying, Father?" Hayden croaked. "Why are you telling me this now?"
"You wanted to know why I made you king, didn't you?" he asked with a raised brow. "The reports about this creature causing chaos have simmered down to a tolerable degree, to what the public can tolerate. The reality of it is much worse, with several children and adults reported missing. As a king, there's only so much I can do from the comfort of my throne. But, as a Hunter, I can track this thing down and put an end to its reign of terror."
Hayden blinked repeatedly. "So you handed to me the reins of the kingdom because you want to find this creature yourself?"
"Yes, Hayden," King Baustas said with finality. He took a step forward and placed a large hand on Hayden's shoulder. "I did not wish to tell you like this, believe me. Unfortunately, the circumstances aren't so forgiving. There's still so much about my origin you don't know, my son. Your origin. I've kept a lot from you and your brother believing it was a past to be buried. That this," he waved a hand over his head, "was a new life we had to embrace. But I see I was wrong now, and I want you to forgive me. We have much to discuss, Hayden. There are stories about my encounters with creatures of the dark that'll make your aunt's tales look like a child's lullaby. But only when I return. When I bring back the creature's carcass."
Hayden's frown etched deeper. Why he spoke like he was familiar with the creature responsible for the mayhem was beyond him. But one thing was hauntingly clear—his determination. It was almost as if his eyes emitted a faint glow as his gaze burned into the distance. He couldn't be swayed, Hayden knew that. He could only hope he knew what he was doing.
"If it brings you any comfort, I'd go along with five of my best guards," Baustas said calmly. "Our journey will take us deep into the Venari, where myths and legends breathe and exist."
As Hayden pondered over his words, King Baustas turned his attention to the warmth of the celebration behind, and for the first time, the sound of drums and flutes reached Hayden's ears, albeit faintly.
"Your mother would be proud if she were here," Baustas whispered. "As I am now. You'll do great in my absence. And my duty, when I return, would be one of guidance and counsel. A mere stepping stone to your new glorious path."
With that, and a light tap on the shoulder, Hayden's father walked back into the palace, leaving him alone on the balcony more shattered with questions.
He hadn't realized it then, but Hayden's reign as the King of the Southern Realm of Wysteria was about to begin in the most chaotic, devastating way he could imagine.